If you are on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances creamy comfort and bold flavor, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender elbow macaroni bathed in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, crowned with crispy golden chicken tenders, and finished with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey that dances on your taste buds. This combination brings the ultimate twist to a classic dish, transforming it into a comforting meal that delights every forkful with layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays its part—from the creamy cheddar that gives richness, to the hot honey that introduces that irresistible spicy sweetness, making every bite shine with balanced flavors and textures.
- Elbow Macaroni: The perfect shape for holding onto creamy cheese and sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides the deliciously gooey and tangy base for the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, velvety texture in the cheese sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps form a creamy base in the sauce.
- Chicken Tenders: Tender and crisp, they complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Hot Honey Sauce: The star ingredient that adds a fiery-sweet kick and a glossy finish.
- Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F if you prefer to bake your mac and cheese for a bubbly, slightly golden top. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just tender, because perfectly cooked pasta forms the foundation for an unforgettable dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter slowly until it’s nicely melted but not browned. Whisk in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese continuously, until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thickened, like a comforting cheesy hug. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to awaken all the flavors in your sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is ready and drained, transfer it to a baking dish or serving dish if skipping the oven. Pour the cheese sauce generously over the noodles and give it a gentle stir so every piece is perfectly coated in that luscious cheddar richness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
While the macaroni is soaking up that cheesy goodness, cook your chicken tenders until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through. You can pan-fry, bake, or air-fry them depending on your preference, but the key is a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Place the cooked chicken tenders on top of or beside your mac and cheese. Now, the moment that truly elevates this dish: drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken generously. The spicy sweetness will meld with the savory flavors, creating a taste sensation you won’t be able to resist. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the entire dish to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Whether baked to perfection or simply combined and served straight away, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe shines when enjoyed warm. Dive in and savor the harmony of creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple but wonderful way to brighten this dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra kick, consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes to enhance the hot honey’s warmth. A grating of sharp Parmesan cheese on top can deepen the cheesy experience even more.
Side Dishes
This indulgent dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides that can help balance its richness. Think along the lines of a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts. Lightly steamed broccoli also complements well and adds a nutritious crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just have fun serving, try plating individual servings in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic touch. You can also turn leftovers into a stuffed bell pepper or bake your mac and cheese in mini muffin tins for tasty, portion-controlled bites—perfect for parties or snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well. Just be sure to freeze it in a freezer-safe container without the fresh parsley and hot honey drizzle, as those are best added fresh upon serving. Frozen mac and cheese can last for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. You can drizzle fresh hot honey and sprinkle parsley just before serving to revive all the layers of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds sauce well, penne, shells, or cavatappi will also work beautifully with this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The hot honey adds a gentle heat with a sweet finish that complements the creamy cheese and savory chicken perfectly. If you prefer more or less spice, adjust the amount of hot honey you drizzle on top according to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Many kids will love this dish because of its cheesy, comforting nature and sweet, mild heat from the hot honey. If you’re concerned about spice levels, you can reduce or omit the hot honey drizzle or serve it on the side for dipping.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken tenders can make this recipe even quicker to prepare and means you still get all the delicious flavors of the Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe without extra fuss.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or extra sharp cheddar gives the best depth of flavor and the right amount of tang and richness. However, mild cheddar can also be used if you prefer a gentler cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a warm bowl of Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe that blends creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy notes all at once. It’s a dish that feels like a hug on a plate and a standout crowd-pleaser at any meal. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and experience how quickly it becomes a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy chicken tenders drizzled in sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/3 cup hot honey sauce
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F if you prefer to bake the mac and cheese after assembling.
- Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the milk and then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble macaroni and cheese: Transfer the cooked macaroni into a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over it, stirring lightly to coat all the noodles.
- Cook chicken tenders: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken tenders until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside, approximately 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.
- Combine chicken and mac & cheese: Either arrange the cooked chicken tenders on the side of the macaroni or place them on top of the mac and cheese.
- Add hot honey and garnish: Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken tenders. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the mac and cheese to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm for a comforting and satisfying meal that balances creamy cheese with the sweet heat of the honey sauce.
Notes
- You can bake the assembled mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes for a bubbly, golden top layer.
- Adjust hot honey sauce amount to control spiciness according to preference.
- For extra crispy chicken, coat tenders lightly with flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with chives or green onions for garnish.
